Ok so does anyone know of anyone awesome black friday sales giong on? I have a 5 year old girl so i'm gonna start looking for girly things and things for my bf and other famiyl memebers too. I was wondering if anyone knows of an unbelievably awesome deal? I knwo some people are agnst black friday and say it ruins thanksgiving, but I really don't understand how it can ruin it for them. If you choose to stay in your holiday isnt changed and for some the tradition of black friday is part of thanksgiving. So can someone explain how stores opening up early runs your holiday? It's not like you're forced to go to the stores.
UPDATED
SERIOUSLY, I find it crazy that people feel badfor people FORCED to work black friday a lof of my family works in healthcare (nurses, doctors, Emts, Paramedics), and they work every or every other holiday always we celebrate around it). People still need to be taken care of, people still get sick, BUT people go crazy b/c retail workers are forced?? It's crazy, by that logic you should boycott nursing homes hospitals, ER's, b/c my mom is a nurse and they have a strict no call out or request off policy for holidays. Yes people work holidays (plenty of peopel do, when I was working through college full time at a video store i worked every holiday-business came in, they werent going to shut down and lose money), but they are working for a job that gets more money by those holidays, if it weren't for the crazy holiday rush, then there would be less employees..some people would beg for that job now, so to boycott a store simply because they make their employees work seems crazy
I agree healthcare workers vs retailers is apples to oragnes...but mosst of those retail workers wound't have jobs during thsi season if they didnt make tons of money on black friday, a lot are seasonal workers. You cant get a retail job and expect not to work on holidays. When i worked at the video store i was never mad about having to work...when i worked at a publuic accounting firm and had to work NYE i wasnt mad, noone was gonna die if i didnt go to work, but that was the job i signed on for...those retail workers are getting paid b/c of the holiday rush. there are plenty of other professions and most people with time in (years working there) can take turns woring holdays, also they get paid time and a half which some people ask to work on the holuidays for (obviously being a retail worker theyre not earning tons, so that extra money would def help)
Laurita-J. as healthcare workers go into the field knowing they haev to work holidays i'm pretty sure any retail worker would go into it knowing that too....and BTW EMT's and CNA's get paid pretty close to what retail workers do and they have to do a lot more laboring work. Also I'm pretty sure if we all banned black friday and they had no sales these days a lot of those workers wouldn't have jobs..why should we feel so bad for retail workers, but police, healthcare professionals and everyone else that works on the hioliday we dont?
I agree that some won't be happy abt working at midnight, but jobs change and so do duties, when I worked in tax, i didnt sign on knowing I'd have to stay super late on holidays during tax season, but it was the job i signed on for, which is why i changed eventually...black friday isn't a new concept, anyone working in retial knows fully what theyre getting into.
BTW I used to work retail at a video store and clothing store, I liked getting paid extra these days, I still don't see how J. because its not life or death you feel bad they are working and thinks its completely wrong. I think your traditions shouldnt affect others, the fact that some people want to shut down the store on holidays b/c they feels its wrong is crazy to M., not everyone celebrates the holiday, and some people need the money. I don't get how people feel so much worse for retail workers than any other job that works holidays, pharmicies are open then, police officers, some banks, healthcare worers, janitors for places that are open...there are plenty of people working holidays
I think the comparison between healthcare professionals and retail employees is apples to oranges. Is anyone going to DIE if they don't get to have that Blu-Ray player for $49.99 at 10 pm on Thanksgiving Day?
Well, I worked at movie theatres through high school & college & we were open 365 days a year. My husband is a cop, again, 365. My father worked in casinos his entire career, yup, you guessed it, 365. Some jobs are like that & you know it going into it. It's not unfair, it's part of the work. It doesn't have anything to do with whether or not the job in question is a life-or-death situation. I mean, when's the last time you heard of someone literally dying because they couldn't go to the movies or out gambling on a holiday?
If you don't like it I guess you J. shouldn't work in those types of careers, eh?
Nope. I'm not being forced. And I'm not going. It's not going to change my holiday O. iota.
J. another example of extreme corporate greed and manipulation that I don't want any parts of.
Now society thinks it's *normal*!
Sadly, the employees aren't so lucky to get to *choose* whether it ruins their holiday or not.
****Your logic is funny--people NEED to be in a hospital on a holiday--they don't NEED to shop!****
*******Added 2: I think retail workers expect to work weekends and evenings--that's part of the drill. The retail workers I know are NONE too happy to go into work at 11 p.m. or midnight on Thanksgiving night. Nor would I!**********
I think the biggest problem with the Black Friday sales (particularly this year with many of them starting on Thursday evening) is that the EMPLOYEES have to leave their families to go to work. And if your job requires that you be up and working from 10 pm through the night, then you must sleep during your Thanksgiving DAY hours...
They messed up a few years back when they started trying to see who could open the earliest... and moved times back from 6:00 am or whatever they used to be. Last year they were opening at 5:00 and 4:00 a.m. Well that means the employees have to be there at like 3:00 a.m. Then it was, well we'll J. be open starting at midnight. Now they are going to be open late Thursday? Okay... let M. stuff myself full of Thanksgiving blessings and then roll out the door at 5:00 pm to go to work....
And we aren't talking about essential jobs (like my husband who often has to work Thanksgiving anyway) like police or fire or hospitals or whatever... we're talking RETAIL.
It's ridiculous. Most retail employees (not the management, but the cashiers and clerks) don't get much in the way of benefits anyway... and then to have to go off to work for what is not exactly high wages on a day that for decades has traditionally been all about family... OR risk being fired for not showing up (in this economy?)... J. doesn't seem right.
I'ver personally never been a big fan of it anyway. Last year was the one and only time I have actually gone. And it was for one particular item that was discounted like $5-10, but came with a store gift card worth $40. I went, bought that one item, and we left. Grabbed a drive-thru breakfast sandwich on the way home (at 5:30 a.m.) and went back to bed.
The end.
I won't do it again this year. I have no interest in most of the stuff they have as 'deals' anyway. I am shopping for a new TV for the living room, but I will find it before then, or after... not on Black Friday.
ETA: @ Dawn: They call it "Black Friday" because it is a day when the stores turn big profits. If they were in the "red" up till now, (fiscal year) this is the day they make it into "the black". It's an accounting term.
If you like Toys R Us on Facebook, you can see their black friday ad. Also, as someone who used to work retail on commission, I loved black friday. I would work the early morning shift, and the late in the evening shift when they had their specials. I would go home in between and nap. I made so much money that day, to close down the day after Thanksgiving would take thousands of dollars out of my pocket. If I wasn't pregnant with twins, I would take a temp job in retail again this season and work the overnight shifts. It can be very financially beneficial to work that day.
I enjoy going out for the Black Friday sales. I make my plans, go out for a few hours, and get back by the time that the kids and husband are getting up.
I worked at restaurants while I was in college. I ALWAYS had to work the holidays. Talk about miserable. I was actually working one Thanksgiving night and someone had the nerve to ask M. why I wasn't at home with my family that night...uhhh...why do you think, dumba$$. That being said, I NEVER want to go out to eat on a holiday.
I J. wanted to say I totally agree with you J. M. I've worked my share of retail and in the hospital. When I worked in both places I knew it was part of the job to work holidays, I'm sure most people who work retail realize this too. Actually, I was going to go into nursing and decided I wanted a 9-5 type job instead.
I never shop on black Friday and feel badly for the employees who have to work retail.
All philosophy aside about whether Black Friday is ruining American life or not....
Check out www.2011blackfridayads.com to see if you see any deals you'd like to hunt after. Most stores ads are there. They are photocopied so the ads are not interactive (something I didn't realize I have gotten used to, lol).
I haven't been that impressed, honestly. Haven't decided if I'll partake this year.
Didn't shop it growing up, and honestly enjoy the Mommy time out getting GREAT deals I couldn't afford to do other times of the year. I wait until this time of year to buy bigger purchases and for regular items around the house (computers, towels, slippers, pj's, etc.)
My motto is go big or stay home! Ok. Stepping onto the box. I can't help myself. Am I thrilled that the stores are opening up at midnight. No. However, I'm not going to fell sorry for the people who are working Black Friday. THEY HAVE JOBS! Most will get paid extra money for working on the holiday, maybe something they are looking forward to...extra money for Christmas.
I've worked many holidays in retail. I chose to work the shifts no one else wanted. I wanted the extra hours and extra money (time and a half or even double pay).
There are many Americans who do not celebrate the same holidays. They don't mind working on the ones they don't. Exit box.
Don't know any sales.
Never gone out for a black friday shopping spree.
Don't plan on it.
Well, maybe one day I'll go and people watch LOL
*My husband is a paramedic-he works on thanksgiving and christmas this year (12 hours shifts, too!) so I agree no reason to feel bad for people who are working black friday.
i'd also like to point out that not every retail worker feels forced to work black friday. i was listening to the radio the other day and a retail manager said she actually likes working holidays b/c you get time and a half PLUS holiday pay.
I think that there are many holidays that are no longer at all about the holiday but the dollar. I will not go and I feel for those who have to work at those stores and won't be able to relax with their families. I know people who won't be able to travel to see family because they now have to work since the stores open so early.
I find that the deals are very limited (my uncle has gone several times to stand in line for cheap TVs) and it is far less stressful to M. to shop all year and/or shop online. I'll pay the shipping to avoid the rush.
Edit: I think it's not a fair comparison to say that EMTs get shafted. They sign up knowing they will be working weird hours and shifts. Your cheap TV is not life or death (unless you get trampled getting it). I used to have a roommate who was a firefighter EMT and he could get called at 2AM. That was all part of his job. My niece works retail and last year was in the shop at 2AM getting ready for a 4AM opening. She knows that retail means working hard this time of year. However, this year she may not be able to join us at all unless she gets someone to cover her shift (ha). I think it's stupid that for a dollar (not someone's life) they can't be closed for one whole holiday. I agree with Pam that what I object to most is bleeding into Thursday, not that they are open on Friday. I will likely be working on Friday myself.
When I was a kid, my Mom made most of our gifts, or shopped frugally otherwise for the things she did purchase. Things were very lean for us. So if Black Friday existed back then, I had no clue.
As an younger adult, I usually had to work that day (right out of HS I worked in a health club Child Center for 2 years then was a FT Nanny for 2 Doctors for 8 years). So shopping was never an option for M. anyways, but I always wanted the day off to be with MY family. When I started my home childcare business I had it written in my policies that it was paid day off.
I do not patronize ANY business on an actual major holiday or those with an "eve". If I was a shopper, I would have no issue with the Black Friday sales stuff..as long as it was ON Friday. My MIL used to be a big Black Friday shopper..up and out for the 6am stuff, etc... and I always enjoyed going thru the ads with her, pointing out what I thought the kids and the "Big Boys" (hubby, his brothers and FIL) might like and helping her make a plan, while we spent time together as a family on Thanksgiving day. But every year recently, those times get moved up and up...and now...its Turkey day. Its too much.
added - thanks for the explanations! Still hate the name, but at least I understand now where it came from!! Ha ha!
original:
Can I J. say that I HATE the name, "Black Friday" for shopping? It reminds M. of Easter weekend and the day after the crucifixion. I have never understood the idea behind the name. Does anyone know why they call it this?
Shop-til-you-drop is much more appropriate!
To your actual question, I used to do it when I was #1 - younger, and #2, had smaller kids and knew exactly what I wanted to buy them for Christmas. I could get great deals by knowing exactly what and where I wanted to purchase. Now my kids are older, we don't do near as much for Christmas as we did, and I'm not putting up with shop til I drop period. Blech!
I need the day after Thanksgiving now to enjoy the family while I have them all in one place, with a son in college! Smile!
Dawn
I hate shopping in all that craziness so I don't go, plus I have to work Friday so I'm no interested in shopping at midnight anyway. We always go out for dinner on Thanksgving though and have often gone to the movies as well. Every job has it's down sides and people working in retail know that they will often have to work nights and weekends and even some holidays. The grocery stores are open Thanksgiving during the day but I don't see anyone complaining about that. I feel this year retailers are very concerned about whether or not people are goin to be spending and so they are trying to get people in the mood earlier. Many stores have brought back layaway and if you are purchasing that way you definitely need to start before thanksgiving. Many retail employees probably don't get paid time off so they may be happy to work. Not everyone has family to celebrate with.
I plan on going out shopping on black friday for the 1st time.
I have like $100 to spend on art supplies, which usually isn't going to get M. much. So I 'm hoping for an awesome deal on what I need.
I'm kinda excited actually
Oh, I J. enjoy watching it on the news. I am not opposed ~ I do remember the door-busting incident of a few years ago where someone was trampled but that was not the norm (I hope).
We only buy for our nieces/nephews, so no need to wear ourselves out. Will be visiting our aging parents/in-laws over the holiday, so no plans to shop. I know, I lead a boring life (lol!)
Most companies run their books in the red (negatives) and black (positive numbers are coded in black) Friday puts them ahead. When I was younger, I thought it was called Black Friday cause it was such a bleak day to be out. :)
Either Target or Toys R Us has the Buttercup horse for $100. It's more than 1/2 price.
I never shop Black Friday but I wanted to talk about the work situation.
My Dad is a mechanic at a brewery (big name one lol) and he ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS worked holidays. I can't remember a holiday growing up where he didn't - at one point in the day - get dressed and head out. I don't know if the retail people get holiday pay (I'm assuming they at least get time and a half) but I remember one Christmas my Dad getting his uniform on and planning to head out. I asked him why he always worked holidays - he turned to M. and said "they are paying M. triple time to do this - of course I'm going in" - so I think more money is worth the time.
The stock market and banks are open the Friday after Thanksgiving too... So that's a lot of people who have to work that day, including M.. But I don't have to go in at 4am! Or work through the night etc. I think it's going to far too. EMT, doctors etc are needed round the clock and that's known upfront. All of a sudden putting it on low paid retail clerks to have to come into work at such odd hours right around a holiday does seem to be too much and unncessary. I worked holidays too when I was in retail but I was in my 20's without kids. I hope at least some employees have a choice and are paid double or triple time for these odd hours. Normal hours on Black Friday don't bother M.. So Black Friday's never ruined my holiday. I never go and I certainly wouldn't go at 5am. And no one has to. But it does seem to symbolize a trend of everything being about money. It's like putting up Xmas displays at Halloween. I think it does take away from the meaning of the holidays and it's sad. Doesn't effect M. directly but I still find it sad.
EDIT: to be clear, I don't object to Black Friday in general as a big shopping day. I have to work that Friday unless I take a vacation day. What seems to be unnecessary is opening at 5am or starting at 10pm on Thanksgiving. Normal business hours on Friday are fine to M.. Or even a bit earlier than usual but not this 4am, 5am stuff.
I work every night, including holidays and weekends, usually including when I'm sick/injured (like with my dislocated hip or shattered arm). Its a downside of my job, which has many wonderful sides to offset.
As for sales, I'm not seeing or hearing anything J. yet that isn't being bettered by Groupon, Living Social, Mamapedia and other deals. I'm not even looking, but everyone else I know is, and I'm part of their discussions about all of the sales. Good luck!
You must never have worked in retail. You have no idea!!
And hospitals, doctors/nurses/fire professionals are a necessity! No one NEEDS a 32 inch flatscreen for $199 at 3 a.m.!! Think about it! It is out of control. Retailers are not forced to work there, but if you want to keep your job that you love....
